Desulfovibrio vulgaris is a model sulfate-reducing bacterium (SRB) known for its ability to reduce sulfate to sulfide during anaerobic respiration . SRBs like D. vulgaris are commonly found in anaerobic environments, such as soil, aquatic sediments, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals . D. vulgaris is involved in various environmental processes, including the corrosion of metals through biofilm formation, and has implications in human health, particularly in the context of gut microbiota and inflammatory diseases . The accurate classification and study of Desulfovibrio benefit from genomic analyses, which help in understanding their metabolic pathways and evolutionary relationships .
DVU_1883 is a gene identified in the genome of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) . It is annotated as a probable rRNA maturation factor, suggesting its involvement in the biogenesis or processing of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) . Ribosomal RNAs are essential components of ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis . Maturation factors play critical roles in the post-transcriptional modification, folding, and assembly of rRNA molecules, ensuring the proper function of ribosomes .
Research has identified DVU_2486 as a gene encoding for AHL synthase . Through data mining, multiple sequence alignment (MSA), homology modeling, and docking, DVU_2486 (previously uncharacterized protein from acetyltransferase family) was identified as the gene encoding for AHL synthase. This study offers insights into the quorum sensing (QS) mechanism and can help design strategies to control biofilm formation .
Large-scale genetic characterization of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough has identified essential genes required for survival . Transposon mutant libraries were constructed to identify 436 essential genes in the JW710 background, with 380 shared with the wild-type background, highlighting their importance in core cellular processes like protein synthesis and cell envelope functions . Further analysis revealed that 271 of these genes have homologs identified as essential in non-SRB, while 109 DvH essential genes, including those involved in sulfate reduction (dsrAB, sat), did not have a homolog in DEG .
A study identified a putative two-subunit dehydrogenase (DVU0826 and DVU0827) required for pyridoxal phosphate biosynthesis . These subunits display high cofitness with pdxA (DVU2241), encoding 4-hydroxythreonine-4-phosphate dehydrogenase . D. vulgaris synthesizes pyridoxal phosphate via deoxyxylulose 5′-phosphate, similar to E. coli, involving pyridoxine 5′-phosphate synthase (pdxJ, DVU1908) .
Desulfovibrio vulgaris has been found to interact with the gut epithelial immune receptor LRRC19, exacerbating colitis . D. vulgaris was enriched in fecal samples of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and correlated with disease severity . The administration of D. vulgaris promoted colitis via interactions between DVF and LRRC19, initiating the TRAF6-mediated MAPK and NF-κB cascades, increasing immune cell recruitment, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production .
KEGG: dvu:DVU1883
STRING: 882.DVU1883
Recombinant Desulfovibrio vulgaris Probable rRNA maturation factor (DVU_1883) is a full-length protein (162 amino acids) that functions in RNA processing and maturation. The protein is derived from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (strain Hildenborough / ATCC 29579 / DSM 644 / NCIMB 8303) and is available as a recombinant product expressed in either baculovirus or mammalian cell systems. Its UniProt accession number is Q72AV7, and it is also known by the target name ybeY.
Based on the available data, DVU_1883 is produced in two primary expression systems:
| Expression System | Product Code | Source | Purity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baculovirus | CSB-BP741232DDH | Insect cells | >85% (SDS-PAGE) |
| Mammalian cell | CSB-MP741232DDH | Mammalian expression | >85% (SDS-PAGE) |
Both expression systems yield the full-length protein (1-162 amino acids) with a purity greater than 85% as determined by SDS-PAGE. The choice between these systems may depend on specific experimental requirements, such as post-translational modifications or folding considerations.
The stability and shelf life of DVU_1883 depend on several factors including the formulation state, buffer components, storage temperature, and the inherent stability of the protein. For optimal preservation:
Lyophilized form maintains stability for approximately 12 months when stored at -20°C to -80°C
Liquid formulations remain stable for approximately 6 months at -20°C to -80°C
Working aliquots can be stored at 4°C for up to one week
Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided to maintain protein integrity
For proper reconstitution of the protein:
Briefly centrifuge the vial prior to opening to bring contents to the bottom
Reconstitute the protein in deionized sterile water to achieve a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL
Add glycerol to a final concentration of 5-50% (50% is recommended as default)
Aliquot the reconstituted protein to minimize freeze-thaw cycles
When designing experiments to investigate the functional properties of DVU_1883, consider the following methodological approach:
Define clear research questions and hypotheses: Formulate specific, testable hypotheses about the protein's role in rRNA maturation or related processes
Identify appropriate variables:
Treatment design: Systematically manipulate independent variables to observe their effects on outcomes. For example:
Randomization: Incorporate randomization in experimental design to minimize bias and ensure statistical validity of results
Robust experimental design requires appropriate controls to validate findings and eliminate alternative explanations:
Negative controls:
Buffer-only reactions (no protein)
Heat-inactivated protein preparations
Non-related proteins of similar size/structure
Positive controls:
Well-characterized rRNA maturation factors
Previously validated substrates
Known interaction partners
System controls:
To investigate the structure-function relationships of DVU_1883, consider this methodological framework:
Structural analysis approaches:
X-ray crystallography to determine three-dimensional structure
NMR spectroscopy for solution-state dynamics
Cryo-EM for complex formation visualization
In silico modeling based on homologous proteins
Functional mapping strategies:
Site-directed mutagenesis of conserved residues
Domain deletion or swapping experiments
Chemical modification of specific amino acids
Cross-linking studies with potential binding partners
Correlation methodology:
To characterize DVU_1883 interactions with rRNA substrates:
Binding assays:
Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA)
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
Fluorescence anisotropy measurements
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)
Functional interaction studies:
RNA processing assays with defined substrates
Competition experiments with related factors
Co-immunoprecipitation of protein-RNA complexes
In vivo complementation studies
Data analysis and presentation:
For rigorous analysis and clear presentation of DVU_1883 functional data:
Statistical approach:
Apply appropriate statistical tests (t-tests, ANOVA) based on experimental design
Calculate confidence intervals and p-values for significant findings
Perform regression analysis for dose-dependent effects
Consider replicate variability and power analysis for sample size determination
Data presentation best practices:
Example table format for presenting activity data:
| Substrate | Protein Concentration (μg/mL) | Activity (Units/mg) | Binding Affinity (Kd, nM) | p-value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16S rRNA | 0.1 | 12.3 ± 1.2 | 45.6 ± 5.3 | <0.001 |
| 16S rRNA | 1.0 | 36.7 ± 2.8 | 42.1 ± 4.7 | <0.001 |
| 23S rRNA | 0.1 | 8.5 ± 0.9 | 78.3 ± 8.1 | <0.05 |
| 23S rRNA | 1.0 | 22.4 ± 2.5 | 75.6 ± 7.9 | <0.05 |
| Control | 1.0 | 0.8 ± 0.3 | Not detected | - |
Note: Values represent mean ± standard deviation from three independent experiments.
When encountering contradictory results in DVU_1883 research:
Systematic troubleshooting approach:
Verify protein quality and activity through multiple independent preparations
Examine differences in experimental conditions between contradictory datasets
Consider expression system differences (baculovirus vs. mammalian) as potential factors
Evaluate reagent quality and experimental timing
Reconciliation strategies:
Design decisive experiments specifically targeting the contradictions
Employ multiple complementary techniques to address the same question
Consider biological relevance of observed differences (statistical vs. biological significance)
Consult with collaborators or external experts for independent validation
Transparent reporting:
A comparative analysis of DVU_1883 with other rRNA maturation factors provides evolutionary context:
Sequence comparison methodology:
Perform multiple sequence alignments with homologs from diverse species
Identify conserved domains and critical residues
Calculate sequence identity and similarity percentages
Construct phylogenetic trees to visualize evolutionary relationships
Functional conservation analysis:
Compare substrate specificity across homologs
Evaluate complementation capacity in heterologous systems
Analyze structural conservation using homology modeling
Identify species-specific adaptations in sequence and function
Evolutionary interpretation:
Discuss the implications of conservation patterns for protein function
Relate sequence divergence to ecological or metabolic adaptations
Propose evolutionary models for the development of rRNA maturation mechanisms
Identify potential horizontal gene transfer events if present in the evolutionary history
When comparing DVU_1883 produced in different expression systems:
System-specific considerations:
Baculovirus expression may yield higher quantities but different post-translational modifications
Mammalian expression may provide more native-like modifications but at lower yields
Careful characterization of each preparation is essential before comparative studies
Analytical comparison approach:
Perform side-by-side activity assays under identical conditions
Analyze structural integrity through circular dichroism or limited proteolysis
Compare glycosylation or other modifications through mass spectrometry
Evaluate thermostability differences using differential scanning fluorimetry
Experimental design for comparative studies: